The Build – Part 4
The front gearbox on the Team Associated B64 Club Racer seems pretty stout. Huge bearings, thick plastic and 4mm thick graphite shock towers are all standard equipment.
While certainly secure, the input shaft retainer ring is a bit of a bitch to get installed. I found the easiest way to handle this is to lock the hook in the groove of the input shaft and firmly press the ring in place in a circular motion. Trust me, you’ll probably want to throw this part a few times before you figure it out.
Extra outdrive shims are included to help space your diff to tighten or loosen the gear mesh. I installed 3 shims on each side which made it a little tight, but I figured after a few runs it would probably loosen up a tad. Your experience may vary.
Start off Part 4 by pressing a 10×15 bearing into each side of the gearbox. Slide the input shaft through the bearings (from the inside) and secure it with the input shaft retainer. Enjoy that struggle.
Attach the aluminum B arm mount to the gearbox.
I pressed the 1° Up pills into the gearbox but found that they kept falling out. I left them out and inserted them back in later in the build. You can follow that example or keep re-installing them every few seconds.
Slide the shims onto the diff (remember, mine felt good with 3 on each side) followed by a 10×15 bearing. Before installing, apply some black grease to the input shaft.
Once you’ve got the diff installed, secure it with the gearbox cap and two 3x10mm screws.
Assemble your CA-prepped front shock tower and attach it to the front gearbox as shown. A dab of blue threadlocker on the shock standoffs is suggested.
Fit the front dogbone drive into the input shaft on the gearbox. You’ll need to insert it at a pretty severe angle to get it past the retaining clip.
Feed the dogbone under the steering rack and insert it into the center differential. Drop the front gearbox onto the chassis and secure with the 3x10mm and 3x16mm screws. A little black grease on these screws will help them thread into the gearbox a little easier.
Attach the front body post to the top plate and set that assembly in place to connect the front gearbox and steering system. A light drop of blue threadlocker is suggesed on the screws feeding into the aluminum steering posts.
There ya have it – the front gearbox installed and ready to go. Next up is the front suspension!
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Opening Page
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 1 – Differentials
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 2 – Chassis
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 3 – Steering
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 4 – Front Bulkhead
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 5 – Front Suspension
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 6 – Servo
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 7 – Rear Bulkhead
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 8 – Rear Suspension
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 9 – Turnbuckles
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 10 – Shocks
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 11 – Electronics
Team Associated B64 Club Racer Build – Part 12 – Body, Wheels and Tires